Girl's trauma after mom shot
2005-06-08 23:16
Linda de Beer
Potchefstroom. - A four-year-old child is receiving trauma counselling after being in the house where her mother was shot five times, in the chest, stomach and face.
The child's father and friend of 31-year-old Jana Venter of Hartbeespoort has been arrested in connection with the killing.
Meanwhile, Venter's family says the world must wake up so that no other woman dies like this.
Richard Martin van Ameron, 30, Nikita's father and Venter's friend for the past five years, has been charged with the murder.
On the night Venter died, she and Van Ameron were apparently in bed when there was a heated argument that led to an outburst in which Venter was shot at least five times. Several cartridge cases were later found at the house.
Police waiting for their food
Hank Venter found his daughter's body in a pool of blood after Van Ameron had dropped his daughter off at her grandparents' house, and apparently told them of their daughter's death.
Venter sen went to seek help.
It is claimed that police whom he encountered on the way, said they could not come with him immediately because they were waiting for food they had ordered at a fast-food restaurant.
It is claimed the police first ate their food at the police station before visiting the house.
Van Ameron was arrested at the house.
The interior apparently looked as if someone had been on the warpath. A .38 revolver was confiscated, among other things.
Freddie le Roux, one of Venter's relatives, said the family was dissatisfied with the police handling of the case.
He claimed that police still had not taken a statement from Venter sen, even though he had been the first person at the house after his daughter's death.
'Give police a chance to do their job'
Captain Elsabé Augustides said the family should discuss their complaints with the station commander at Hartbeespoort police station.
She said the police should be given a chance to do their work.
A suspect was "in prison" where he "can not harm anyone".
A relative, who did not want her name mentioned, said Venter was "a strong person who always kept smiling" - "She wanted to do everything for everyone."
Nikita, who will turn four in a week's time, is receiving trauma counselling.
Le Roux said Nikita was a "very strong, clever little girl".
- Beeld